Message

One Year Later..

It's my Blogaversay! One year ago, I decided to find an outlet for my writing. That is how this blog was born. I felt that I had something the world wide web should hear. My blog has been, for the most part, my solace. It's where I come to work out things, rant about things, wax philosophically and poetically about my opinions. It's helped me through some rough patches. I love how freeing the written word can be. I am a writer. It is the one consistent aspect of my entire life. Writing frees me. It gives me life and hope.

At the beginning of the 2011, I pledged to blog every day. For the first six months, I was able to blog almost every day. That made me proud. Unfortunately, since June, I've been slacking. I feel really bad about that. But, my head hasn't been in the best place lately. I'm just not motivated to blog. There is something preventing me from creating. I'm trying to work through this intense writers block. I hope to be back to my normal blogging self.

Looking back, I can remember the exact space I was in when I wrote and posted each piece. I have laughed so much at myself this past year. My own words give me insight into myself. This blog has gifted me with that. Before, I could only get that level of deep insight from my poetry. I found myself uninspired to write for a while. Starting my blog forced me to be my true self. I love that about it. I plan to write more in the coming weeks. I'm sure I will get political in tone soon because of the state of things. I'm just really proud of myself for sticking to this. I'm also grateful for all who visit my blog. You are appreciated. I'm looking forward to my 2nd year Blogaversay!!! Stay tuned and keep reading. All comments are welcomed!



P.S. - I will take any opportunity to post this classic Tony Toni Tone' track. I love it still.

I also made a minor changes. My web address has changed from "lovemsk.blogspot.com" to "inbtweenthoughts.blogspot.com." So, now my blog title and web addy match.

Ladies Love Lyrics: Frank Ocean/Bridget Kelly "Thinking About Forever"

I am a fan of Frank Ocean. He recently released a track that I love. As always its about the lyrics with me. This is actually a reference track for RocNation's Bridget Kelly. Her version (which you can listen to here) is as great as Frank's. I cannot wait to hear full products from both artists. It seems that Frank has been given the golden ticket since he has now worked with Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Kanye West. Things will be very interesting in the upcoming months. Until then, enjoy this latest offer.

"Thinking About Forever"

A tornado flew around my room before you came
Excuse the mess it made, it usually doesn’t rain
In Southern California, much like Arizona
My eyes don’t shed tears, but, boy, they bawl

When I’m thinkin’ ’bout you (Ooh, no, no, no)
I’ve been thinkin’ ’bout you (You know, know, know)
I’ve been thinkin’ ’bout you
Do you think about me still? Do ya, do ya?

Or do you not think so far ahead? (Ahead)
‘Cause I been thinkin’ ’bout forever (Oooh, oooh)

Or do you not think so far ahead? (Ahead)
‘Cause I been thinkin’ ’bout forever (Oooh, oooh)

No, I don’t like you,
I just thought you were cool Enough to kick it
Got a beach house I could sell you in Idaho
Since you think I don’t love you,
I just thought you were cute That’s why I kiss you
Got a fighter jet, I don’t get fly it, though...

Pictures Speak Volumes

I am trying so hard to stick to this. But, this has become harder and harder. I will pray and push forward. "The writers, they write." - dream hampton

Love Is A Losing Game: Gone Too Soon

Amy Winehouse is dead. She was only 27. I am saddened to read that this morning. I was a fan. Her voice was so soulful and full of pain. Her lyrics always spoke to me. I remember the first time I heard a song by her. It was "Fuck Me Pumps" off her first cd "Frank." I was hooked from that point on. "Frank" was a cd that wasn't released internationally but it made me a fan. Amy's voice gave me chills. "Stronger Than Me," "You Sent Me Flying," and "I Heard Love Is Blind" were some of my favorite tracks on her debut cd. I also really loved her rendition of "Moody's Mood For Love." Amy was a star in my eyes. As a musichead, I was beyond impressed with her.

When she finally broke into the US market with her smash hit "Rehab" I had huge expectations for her. "Back To Black" was everywhere and it seemed like Amy was on her way. "Back To Black" was full of those emo-type songs that Amy was good for. My favorite is still "Love Is A Losing Game." Then, came the reports of her addiction. It was hard to watch her fall deeper into it. I was still holding out hope for her triumphant return and new material. But, it seems that wasn't meant to be. Amy's addiction had a tighter hold on her than any of us could see.

Truth be told, Amy Winehouse killed Amy Winehouse. The world just watched her do it. Her first hit "Rehab" was a blatant slap in the face to people who tried to help her. Instead, we celebrated it. We listened to it on the radio. Her addiction was on display as she won five Grammys for BTB. She sold millions of records. The record company put millions of dollars in the hands of a known addict. Amy never had a chance. And, now her story is over. Dead at the age of 27 and clearly taken too soon. I will miss who she was and what she could've been. Here are some of my favorite Amy Winehouse tracks.

Where's The Justice?

Is Justice really blind? I used to believe this wholeheartedly. Now? Not so much. For as long as I could remember, I was enthralled with the legal system. I wanted to be an attorney for the longest time. Lately, I have become very disillusioned with the United States' idea of what justice really is. I've seen people go to jail for long periods of time for small infractions. I've watched people walk away scott-free when they were guilty as sin. Where is the justice in any of that? I do not see it because it is not there.

Case in point: Casey Anthony. Her daughter, Caylee, was supposedly "missing" for 31 days before her mother, Cindy reported it. Casey did not report it. Her daughter was later found dead. Casey Anthony lied at every given turn. The only facts of this case are simple: Caylee was dead. After years, the trial finally started. There were allegations of sexual misconduct, outrageous lies, ridiculous testimonies, and even more ridiculous scenarios. In the end, the just decided that Casey was not guilty. What??? How is it that this woman is now free to walk the earth while her child is dead and was treated like trash? Where is the justice in this? Clearly, I believe that the jury got it dead wrong. Casey should have been found guilty and been en route to a needle in her arm. I have no tolerance for murderers. I am a fatherless woman because of a murderer. And, people who do anything to harm children are the absolute worst. They are the scum of the earth in my eyes. I also know that Casey has to live with what she did. And, she also will have to atone for it as well.

On the flip side of justice, there is Raquel Nelson. A 30 year old mother who crossed the street with her two kids in Georgia. A man struck and killed her son. The man, Jerry Guy, has a past of hit and run incidents. He was originally charged with hit and run, cruelty to children, and second degree murder. The charges were later amended to just a hit and run. Her served a 6 month sentence and will have five years probation for murder. What?? How is that justice? It isn't and the story gets even worse. Ms. Nelson could possibly serve more time than her son's killer. She is being charged with second degree vehicular homicide. This means she is at fault for jaywalking which led to her sons death. There is a possibility that she will have to serve a 36 month sentence. The woman is grieving her son and has to deal with this. Again I ask where is the justice in any of this?? The answer is simple there is none.

One other major point I have to bring up in these cases is race. Casey is a white woman, Raquel is a Black woman. Apparently, that matters. Because how could a woman who definitely killed her child is walking free while a mother who crossed the street with her child and he was killed is facing jail time? My mind can only come to one conclusion. It's racial. Clean and simple. That makes me so angry. Yes, we have a Black President. But, we are not a post-racial nation. Racism is still alive and well. One only has to take a look at the forming of the Tea Party or the way the Republican Party has behaved since 2008. These two cases have literally made me sick. I cannot blindly believe in justice after hearing about these cases. I think the picture I found for this blog is absolutely perfect. Justice is clearly not blind. What do you guys thinks? Talk to me!

The Randomness That Resides In Me

*...and my answers will confuse and amuse you. My mind is a complex place.

*"Otis" by Jay-Z and Kanye is 3 minutes of reckless, braggadocious, brilliant one liners. I LOVE!! Cannot wait to get my hands on "Watch The Throne" on 8/1/11. Peep the track here

* I am beyond tired. My head hurts as does my heart. I don't see a resolution in my immediate future.

* (excuse my french but...)People are fucking stupid. There is just no other way to say it.

* I cannot get over the fact that Casey Anthony was found not guilty. Her daughter, Caylee, is still dead. And, justice WAS NOT served in Florida.

* The business of loaning money is a tricky one. It makes you not want to help people. My mindset is this, IF I do loan $, I shouldn't have to ask to BORROW my own $$ back. In the words of Ronnie from "Players Club," "Run Me My Money!!!"

* I feel it deep in my soul that something big has to be on the horizon. *praying for peace until it does*

* I've tried not to wonder/worry about someone. I've failed horribly on that front. I just wish I knew something.

* I've been neglecting my blog...purposely. I have been writing a lot, but it's been more soul searching things that I cannot/will not share. It's a little too raw for the web.

* Sometimes, we all need someone to just listen. I took advantage of my great friend last week. It felt good to release that.

* I've been a bad mood lately. So, in order to not let it rub off on others, I've been isolating myself. I don't wanna be Debbie Downer. That wouldn't be good for anyone. I'm hoping to shake back from this soon.

* I had the best time at my family reunion. Which is funny because I had no plans to be there. Hell, I had planned on being out of town. But, I went and enjoyed it more than I could've imagined. Great weekend.

* My youngest nephew is just about the sweetest kid ever. He always makes me laugh.

* One of my favorite cousins came to visit. I always have such fun with her and her kids. She used to be my shadow when we were kids. So wonderful to see her all grown up with a family of her own.

Ladies Love Lyrics: 'NSYNC "Gone"

This is a throwback. I've always loved this track. I can honestly say that I did not know who 'NSYNC was until they released "Gone." I loved everything about it. I especially thought it was amazing when Justin shared that he wrote this song about missing Britney when she was getting her nails done. How cute? I've listened to it three times already tonight. So I wanted to share it.

"There's a thousand words that I could say
To make you come home
Oh, seems so long ago you walked away
Left me alone
I remember what you said to me
You were acting so strange and maybe I was too blind to see
That you needed a change

Was it something I said
To make you turn away?
To make you walk out and leave me cold
If I could just find a way
To make it so that you were right here
But right now..

I've been sitting here
Can't get you off my mind
I've tried my best to be a man and be strong
I've drove myself insane Wishing I could touch your face
But the truth remains..

You're gone..
You're gone..
Baby you're gone
Girl you're gone, baby girl, you're gone..
You're gone.. You're...

I don't wanna make excuses, baby
Won't change the fact that you're gone
But if there's something that I could do
Won't you please let me know?
The time is passing so slowly now
Guess that's my life without you
And maybe I could change my every day
But baby I don't want to

So I'll just hang around and find some things to do
To take my mind off missing you
And I know in my heart
You can't say that you don't love me too
Please say you do..."

Over The Passive Aggressives

I hate to be ignored. Like seriously. It bothers by entire being. I find the act very passive aggressive in nature. I'm not that type of person. I either confront my issues with the person or deal with my feelings alone. Because honestly, sometimes my issues with people are entirely of my own doing. Only then will I ignore them. This is because the issue has been stated. And they have apparently decided not to correct it.

Ignoring me is quite possibly the easiest way to piss me off. Especially if I did not do anything to you consciously. If I do not know what it is I did, I cannot ever fix this problem. So what exactly does ignoring me accomplish?? I feel all it does is create unnecessary tension and stress. I don't cut people off without warrant. But game playing is a quick ticket out of my good graces. The bottom line is this:if anyone has a problem with me, address me. We could clear the air quickly. Or if it's that serious we can encourage the friendship as well. Anything is better than being passive aggressive. That's the absolute worst thing. So do not ignore me. Unless getting on my bad side is what you're aiming for. It's not a big thing to many but it is to me. It just reeks of a personality traits that is so opposite to me.

The passive aggressives are a unique, weird group. They aren't my cup of tea. I truly can't deal with it. I don't think it's a quality that I do not see in myself. I just wish the people in my life who do fall into this category would find another way to deal. It would cut down on confusion in all of our lives. I am trying my best to cut these people out of my life. Or at least, limit my exposure to them. I don't need them in my life. I am working on being a better person. Keeping my cool is a great part of that. Passive aggressives are draining to my spirit. Do any of you have these kind of people in their lives? How do you deal with them? Are you yourself a passive aggressive? Do you even know it?

Words To Grow On

The Picture With A Message

I saw this and the message def caught my eye. Let's just call this a lesson learned. In the words of my brother from another MJ, marinate on that...and take it with you when you leave.

Ladies Love Lyrics: Stevie Wonder

Stevie is wonderful. Simply stated. I woke up with this song and the scene from "Poetic Justice" playing in my mind. I think I have it on dvd and I shall watch it tonight. I have a few favorite songs by Stevie: "As," "Knocks Me Off My Feet," "Ribbon In The Sky," "My Cherie Amour" just to name a few. But, "Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer" is a different type of Stevie Wonder song. It's very sad and a little melancholy. The lyrics always cause me to become a little teary eyed. But I still love it and listen to it whenever it fits my state of mind. Listen and love!




I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
I thought you would go
then come back home
I thought the cold would leave by summer
But my quiet nights will be spent alone

You said there would be warm love in springtime
That is when you started to be cold
I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
But now I find myself all alone

You said then you'd be the life in autumn
Said you'd be the one to see the way
No I never dreamed you leave in summer
but now I find my love has gone away
Why didn't you stay...

Ladies Love Lyrics: Ledisi "I Miss You Now"

Ledisi is so underrated in my book. Her voice is amazing. She is great in concert as well. This is a plus for me. Her new cd "Piece Of Me" is great. This particular song has touched me deep. I enjoy the entire cd but I keep coming back to this track. The lyrics are what got me of course. Get into Ledisi!

Lately it’s been hard for me to catch up on sleep
Cause when you walked out, you walk into my dreams
Hearing these memories all in my head
Was it your voice that said?
Come back to bed
I know there was a reason that I had to walk out
But now I can’t remember what the fight was about
I know I was mad,
Said I was pissed
But it wasn’t so bad, not worse then this

[Chorus:] Cause I miss you now (Cause I miss you now)
I miss you now
Maybe you deserve another chance
Maybe your my man
Maybe we should try again
Cause I miss you now (Cause I miss you now)
I miss you now
Maybe it really wasn’t our fault
Wasn’t so bad at all
Maybe I should come back home

Yo mama keep calling me, phoning my house
Asking me why you sleeping on her couch
How could we give up on something so good
I tried not to call,
maybe I should
I don’t wanna be the reason that it didn’t work out
We put too much into it just to give up now
Let’s call it a truce,
got nothing to prove
Been gone for too long
and I’m missing you

I Still Remember Her

I'm very nostalgic today. My friend Lashauna R. Turner is heavy on my mind and heart. I remember the day we met. It was the first week of 6th grade. I noticed her because she was the only other Black girl in all of my Honors classes. She sat in the desk next to me one day. She said "I'm Lashauna, you seem cool. We should be friends." And, we were for the next 14 years. We became fast friends. I integrated her into my group of friends. We (me, Ty, Reese, and Shauna) were all connected at the hip by 8th grade. She was funny, intelligent and very caring. She was one of the best people I knew.

We were devastated by her untimely death. She had a collapsed lung in August. Was diagnosed with a rare form of heart cancer in October. And before we knew it, she was gone on March 16, 2004. My friends and I were in disbelief. Everything happened within the blink of the eye. She was gone and we were left here with so many unanswered questions. I still miss our talks. I often wish she was still here. Today is harder than others because it's Shauna's birthday. I try to celebrate her life instead of mourning it. She would've been 32. Shauna was taken from us entirely too soon. We never got to say goodbye. I know she's watching over us. So, I'll just say Happy Birthday Copper/Butterfinger :) We love you and we still miss you, girl.


***HAPPY 32ND BIRTHDAY, LASHAUNA R. TURNER***

This Reader's Review: Part IV "A Piece of Cake" & "Perfect Chemistry"

It's that time again people. I am an avid reader. You guys already know this. I just want to do a quick review on the last few book I've read. Thankfully, I haven't read a bad book in months. I love when that happens. I was affected deeply by two totally different books I've read in the last two weeks. I have to share with you guys.

I just finished "A Piece of Cake" by Cupcake Brown. This book totally drained me. Like totally. The book is very dark and depressing for a great portion of it. It is the true life memoir of a young girl who's life is anything but a fairytale. The main character La'Vette/Cupcake has her world shattered by her mother's untimely death. The events that follow are utterly unthinkable. She spends well over ten years living a really horrid life. Halfway through the book I was in such a foul mood. I think its because I submerge myself so deep within the things I read. I was pulling for Cup though. She was a character that I wanted to see win. I felt that her story had to have a better ending. This book turned around in the last third of it. I was so excited for her. I smiled while reading. Once I was done, I was so full. I love that great comeback story. "A Piece of Cake" is a great read. I would definitely suggest it to others. I'm actually grateful that it was suggested to me. I will be passing it on to my cousin.

I also read "Perfect Chemistry" by Simone Elkeles. I got this as a 0.99¢ download on Kindle. It's a love story about two teenagers from completely different backgrounds. Typical right? But the actual storyline has a deeper plot. I loved that it wasn't what I thought it was gonna be. It was a good quick read. I also enjoyed the ending. It was a little predictable in the beginning. But it got so much better in the middle of the book. It's a young adult book though. Other than that, I enjoyed it.

I have about five more books laying around that I need to get to. I suddenly find myself with a lot of free time. I plan to get to these books starting next week. So there will be more reviews forthcoming. Keep reading guys!

7 Word Challenge

One: Describe yourself in 7 words. - Intelligent, funny, introspective, thoughtful, complicated, bossy.

Two: Describe your perfect day in 7 words. - 74°, sunny, beach, carefree, wine, music, HIM.

Three: 7 words you overuse. - Clearly, exactly, right, like, beaucoup, ok, ass.

Four: List 7 things you do before you leave the house. - Evo, keys, purse, lipgloss, charger, lights, lock.

Five: 7 words beginning with the first letter of your name. - Yellow, yours, yesterday, young, yummy, yoga, yoyo -or- kindhearted, kissable, kaleidoscope, knowledgeable, kinky, kinetic, knockout.

Six: List 7 favorite animals. - Puppies, koala bears, tigers, giraffes, fish, penguins, lions.

Seven: List 7 favorite things, one word each only. - Music, poetry, pedicures, sleep, shoes, writing, reading.